Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing multi-threaded video decoding are disclosed. The method takes use of a multi-threaded scheme to process an encoded picture stream on a picture by picture basis. In the method, multiple threads are used for performing video decoding at the same time, such as one thread for the operation of parsing input bits into syntax elements of one picture implemented by the first thread, another thread for the operation of decoding the parsed syntax elements of another picture into pixel values implemented by the second thread, and the other threads for the operations of the non-reference picture, such as bidirectional predictive picture, including parsing input bits into syntax elements and the subsequent operation of decoding the parsed syntax elements into pixel values. Therefore, the decoding speed is substantially increased, and the decoding efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: A light source apparatus including a light source is provided. The light source emits a light beam. The light beam illuminates a user so that at least one brain wave index of at least one region in frontal lobe regions of the user changes. A wearable apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) comprising an enhanced passivation scheme for pad openings and trenches is provided. In some embodiments, an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer covers a substrate and at least partially defines a trench. The trench extends through the ILD layer from a top of the ILD layer to the substrate. A conductive pad overlies the ILD layer. A first passivation layer overlies the ILD layer and the conductive pad, and further defines a pad opening overlying the conductive pad. A second passivation layer overlies the ILD layer, the conductive pad, and the first passivation layer, and further lines sidewalls of the first passivation layer in the pad opening and sidewalls of the ILD layer in the trench. Further, the second passivation layer has a low permeability for moisture or vapor relative to the ILD layer.

Abstract: A carrier monitoring system and a method thereof are disclosed. The carrier monitoring system includes carriers for carrying and positioning at least one circuit board, and a reflow oven including a conveyor, a processing module and a database. When one of the carriers is placed on the conveyor, some sensing units are pressed by a plurality of bumps disposed on a bottom of the carrier, and each of the pressed sensing units transmits a sensing signal to the processing module. According to the sensing signals, the processing module obtains a carrier code; and, according to a plurality of identification codes stored in the database and the carrier code, the processing module can determine which carrier is placed on the conveyor. As a result, the technical effect of monitoring the carrier entering the reflow oven can be achieved.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to a cut inside a replacement metal gate trench to mitigate n-p proximity effects and methods of manufacture. The structure described herein includes: a first device; a second device, adjacent to the first device; a dielectric material, of the first device and the second device, including a cut within a trench between the first device and the second device; and a common gate electrode shared with the first device and the second device, the common gate electrode provided over the dielectric material and contacting underlying material within the cut.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first III-V compound layer, a second III-V compound layer over the first III-V compound layer, a source contact and a drain contact over the second III-V compound layer, a gate contact over the second III-V compound layer and between the source contact and the drain contact, a gate field plate over the second III-V compound layer, a first etch stop layer over the source contact, and a second etch stop layer over the drain contact and separated from the first etch stop layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmission of wireless energy and an apparatus for reception of wireless energy are provided. The apparatus for transmission of wireless energy includes a natural energy conversion module, an energy converter, and an energy transmitter. The natural energy conversion module receives the natural energy and converts the natural energy into a first electric energy. The energy converter is electrically connected to the natural energy conversion module and converts the first electric energy into the wireless energy. The energy transmitter is electrically connected to the energy converter and transmits the wireless energy to an energy receiver.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) comprising an enhanced passivation scheme for pad openings and trenches is provided. In some embodiments, an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer covers a substrate and at least partially defines a trench. The trench extends through the ILD layer from a top of the ILD layer to the substrate. A conductive pad overlies the ILD layer. A first passivation layer overlies the ILD layer and the conductive pad, and further defines a pad opening overlying the conductive pad. A second passivation layer overlies the ILD layer, the conductive pad, and the first passivation layer, and further lines sidewalls of the first passivation layer in the pad opening and sidewalls of the ILD layer in the trench. Further, the second passivation layer has a low permeability for moisture or vapor relative to the ILD layer.

Abstract: Methods for forming a group III-V device structure are provided. A method includes forming a first through via structure penetrating through group III-V compound layers over a front surface of a semiconductor substrate. The method also includes thinning the semiconductor substrate from a back surface of the semiconductor substrate. The method further includes etching the semiconductor substrate from the back surface to form a via hole substantially aligned with the first through via structure. In addition, the method includes etching the semiconductor substrate from the back surface to form a recess extending from a bottom surface of the recess towards the first through via structure. The first through via structure is exposed by the via hole and the recess. The method also includes forming a conductive layer in the via hole and the recess to form a second through via structure connected to the first through via structure.

Abstract: Methods for forming a group III-V device structure are provided. A method includes forming a first through via structure penetrating through group III-V compound layers over a front surface of a semiconductor substrate. The method also includes thinning the semiconductor substrate from a back surface of the semiconductor substrate. The method further includes etching the semiconductor substrate from the back surface to form a via hole substantially aligned with the first through via structure. In addition, the method includes etching the semiconductor substrate from the back surface to form a recess extending from a bottom surface of the recess towards the first through via structure. The first through via structure is exposed by the via hole and the recess. The method also includes forming a conductive layer in the via hole and the recess to form a second through via structure connected to the first through via structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, overlaid by a III-V compound semiconductor layer. The substrate includes a circuit region and a seal ring region, wherein the seal ring region surrounds the circuit region. A seal ring structure is disposed in the seal ring region, wherein the seal ring structure includes a first via structure, extending through part of the substrate and the III-V compound semiconductor layer, that surrounds the circuit region.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing semiconductor device includes depositing a contact metal layer over a III-V compound layer. An anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer is deposited over the contact metal layer, and an etch stop layer is deposited over the ARC layer. The etch stop layer, the ARC layer, and the contact metal layer are etched to form a contact stack over the III-V compound layer. A conductive layer is deposited over the III-V compound layer, and the conductive layer is etched to form a gate field plate. The etch stop layer has an etch selectivity different from that of the conductive layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing semiconductor device includes depositing a contact metal layer over a III-V compound layer. An anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer is deposited over the contact metal layer, and an etch stop layer is deposited over the ARC layer. The etch stop layer, the ARC layer, and the contact metal layer are etched to form a contact stack over the III-V compound layer. A conductive layer is deposited over the III-V compound layer, and the conductive layer is etched to form a gate field plate. The etch stop layer has an etch selectivity different from that of the conductive layer.

Abstract: A group III-V device structure is provided. The group III-V device structure includes a channel layer formed over a substrate and an active layer formed over the channel layer. The group III-V device structure also includes a gate structure formed over the active layer and a source electrode and a drain electrode formed over the active layer. The source electrode and the drain electrode are formed on opposite sides of the gate structure. The group III-V device structure further includes a through via structure formed through the channel layer, the active layer and a portion of the substrate, and the through via structure is electrically connected to the source electrode or the drain electrode.

Abstract: A substrate for an integrated circuit includes a device wafer having a raw carrier concentration and an epitaxial layer disposed over the device wafer. The epitaxial layer has a first carrier concentration. The first carrier concentration is higher than the raw carrier concentration.

Abstract: A device having a drain region with a drain rectangular portion having a first end and a second end, a first drain end portion contiguous with the drain rectangular portion and extending from the first end of the drain rectangular portion away from a center of the drain region, and a second drain end portion contiguous with the drain rectangular portion and extending from the second end of the drain rectangular portion away from the center of the drain region. The semiconductor device also comprises a source region spaced from and surrounding the drain region in the first layer.

Abstract: A super junction includes a substrate and an epitaxial layer over the substrate, the epitaxial layer having a first dopant type. The super junction further includes an angled trench in the epitaxial layer, the angled trench having sidewalls disposed at an angle ranging from about 85-degrees to about 89-degrees with respect to a top surface of the epitaxial layer. The super junction further includes a doped body in the epitaxial layer surrounding the angled trench, the doped body having a second dopant type, the second dopant type opposite that of the first dopant type.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first III-V compound layer on a substrate, a second III-V compound layer on the first III-V compound layer, in which a material of the first III-V compound layer is different from that of the second III-V compound layer, a gate metal stack disposed on the second III-V compound layer, a source contact and a drain contact disposed at opposite sides of the gate metal stack, a gate field plate disposed between the gate metal stack and the drain contact, an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer formed on the source contact and the drain contact, and an etch stop layer formed on the ARC layer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing multi-threaded video decoding are disclosed. The method takes use of a multi-threaded scheme to process an encoded picture stream on a picture by picture basis. In the method, multiple threads are used for performing video decoding at the same time, such as one thread for the operation of parsing input bits into syntax elements of one picture implemented by the first thread, another thread for the operation of decoding the parsed syntax elements of another picture into pixel values implemented by the second thread, and the other threads for the operations of the non-reference picture, such as bidirectional predictive picture, including parsing input bits into syntax elements and the subsequent operation of decoding the parsed syntax elements into pixel values. Therefore, the decoding speed is substantially increased, and the decoding efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: A method includes forming a drain region in a first layer on a semiconductor substrate. The drain region is formed comprising a drain rectangular portion having a first end and a second end, a first drain end portion contiguous with the drain rectangular portion and extending from the first end of the drain rectangular portion away from a center of the drain region, and a second drain end portion contiguous with the drain rectangular portion and extending from the second end of the drain rectangular portion away from the center of the drain region. The method also comprises forming a source region free from contact with and surrounding the drain region in the first layer. The first drain end portion and the second drain end portion are formed having a same doping type and a different doping concentration than the drain rectangular portion.